Ceramic Vs. Titanium Flat Irons

By Karina C. Hernandez

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Supercharged flat irons not only come in a variety of sizes, prices and qualities, but are available for the home hairstylist too. With all of the different buzzwords, selecting the right ceramic or titanium iron for your hair type can be a challenging task. High end irons cost hundreds of dollars, so it's worthwhile to learn about the different irons on the market today.

Ceramic Hair Smoothers

Ceramic flat irons are widely available straightening tools. Ceramic is a non-metallic, non-corrosive inorganic material that is usually baked onto the iron's aluminum base plates in thin layers, although pure ceramic plates are also available. Ceramic irons are more common than titanium irons, so it's possible to find them in more stores, models and price ranges.

Titanium Flat Iron Fixes

Titanium is a lustrous, low-density, lightweight metal derived from igneous rock, known for its strength and high-temperature stability. Titanium is corrosion resistant, conducts heat more evenly and heats up faster than ceramic. Also, titanium has a higher ionic output than ceramic, leaving hair shinier.

Should You Spend or Splurge?

You can find low quality ceramic irons for under $20 that may peel quickly and leave hair damaged. High quality irons with 100 percent ceramic plates can cost over $300. Titanium irons range typically from $50 to $150, and mini irons, made for travel and short hair, are around $30.

High-Quality Hair Tools

Titanium irons vary in the amount of titanium used. They can have pure titanium plates, ceramic-coated titanium plates or utilize nano-titanium technology, in which the ceramic is treated with tiny particles of titanium. They are not known for peeling, whereas ceramic-coated irons can wear out or flake due to hair products or poor quality.

Flat-Iron Know How and Common Misconceptions

Both ceramic and titanium irons claim the materials they use keep the iron from damaging hair; however, any tool or procedure involving high heat will dry the hair and make it brittle over time, especially with prolonged and frequent use. High-quality irons apply more consistent and controlled heat, which helps to avoid damage.

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About the Author

K.C. Hernandez has covered real estate topics since 2009. She is a licensed real estate salesperson in San Diego since 2004. Her articles have appeared in community newspapers but her work is mostly online. Hernandez has a Bachelor of Arts in English from UCLA and works as the real estate expert for Demand Media Studios.